7 Vows of Hindu Marriage Explained (Saat Vachans)

Whenever we think of Indian Hindu weddings, the first thing that comes to our minds is colorful, vibrant, and extravagant. However, regardless of the scale and the culture in which the wedding is being conducted, one thing that remains common in all Hindu marriages is the sacredness of ‘7 vachans’ or 7 vows. In India, the bride and the groom take 7 vows before entering the new life of ‘marraigehood’.

Each of the 7 vows has their own significance and together they serve as an anchor that reminds the couple to stick to each other through all the ups and downs in life. Let us see what the 7 vows signify:

First Vow: Leading a Noble Life Together

In the first vow, the couple prays to the divine power to help them lead a noble life, provide them with pure and nourishing food. In this vow, the groom vows to provide his family with food and shelter whereas the bride pledges to undertake all the household responsibilities and take care of groom’s entire family.

Second Vow: Groom to Protect Bride and Bride to Stand by His Side in All Circumstances

In the second vow of Hindu Marriage, the groom pledges to be the strength of his family and protect them in all circumstances. The bride agrees to stand by his side and provide him with courage and motivation. She demands for his undivided attention and eternal love from the groom.

Third Vow: Wisdom, Wealth and Prosperity

In the third vow, the couple pleads to the almighty to provide them with wisdom, wealth and prosperity. The groom swears to provide for the education of their children. The bride assures the groom that she will love him with all her commitment and will always remain chaste.

Fourth Vow: Responsibility of Bride and Groom Towards Each Other

In the fourth vow, the groom thanks the bride for completing him in every way and for bringing auspiciousness, happiness, and sacredness in his life. The bride vows to fill his life with joy and please him in every possible way through her body and soul.

Fifth Vow: Thanking almighty for providing loving and caring partner

In the fifth vow, the couple thanks the almighty for providing them with a loving and caring partner and pray for well-being of their friends and family members. The bride pledges to be by her husband side in all his happiness and sorrow.

Sixth vow: Forever Together

In the sixth vow of Hindu Marriage, the couple seek blessing from almighty for their long lived togetherness as well as to provide them with self-control. The groom vows to fill his wife’s life with joy and peace. They agree to participate in all the noble, divine and spiritual acts together, as a couple.

Seventh Vow: Dedication and Loyalty Towards Each Other

This vow marks the completion of the wedding ceremony. Here the couple pleads to be one till eternity. They agree to serve their duties as husband and wife with complete dedication and loyalty. They take oath to nourish their relationship with complete honesty and be together not just in this life but in all the lives to come.

Even though these vows of Hindu Marriage may differ slightly based on the culture and location of the couple, but the basis of these 7 vachans in everywhere is ‘commitment’. A promise to give everything to the relationship and a vow to stick to each other through every phase of life!